Parking spaces ‘lost’ as Trowbridge town centre improvements begin

Contractors have taken 15 bays in the Church Street car park to store their vehicles and equipment during the first phase of work in Fore Street, Manvers Street and Wicker Hill which began on Monday (January 15).

The improvement works are due to last for around 12 months as part of the government's £16.3 million investment in Trowbridge via the Future High Streets Fund.

Work starts on Wicker Hill with no right turn to Hill Street. Photo: Trevor Porter 70509-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities. Manvers Street is a popular route into the town centre for pedestrians from the Sainsbury's store and residential areas.

“The aim is to further improve this route by opening up the area in front of Manvers House widening the footpath, providing new bus shelters and soft landscaping as well as installing heritage columns to enhance the street lighting.

"The aim for Fore Street and Wicker Hill area is to provide improved space for pedestrians and better linkage between the town centre and railway station.

“As we have seen with the previous schemes in Castle Street and Union Street/Church Street, the end results provide a significant difference.

"We recognise that road improvements of this scale do cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience in advance.

“Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses that are affected by the phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. I would like to reassure everyone that businesses in the area are open as usual."

Parking bays in Church Street car park have been cordoned off for a year to enable contractors’ equipment to be positioned on the next phase. Photo: Trevor Porter 70508-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The works will be split across distinct phases, with the first phase expected to last for approximately four months.

This initial phase covers the area from Hill Street into Fore Street on the north side and a section of Fore Street on the south side.

Part of Fore Street has already been coned off to traffic and the carriageway reduced to a single lane close to the shops.

Drivers can no longer turn right into Hill Street and will have to follow diversion signs to access it.

The improvement to the footpath adjacent to Manvers House will start around mid-March, approximately two months after the first phase of work has begun.

The road will not be closed during this four-month period. The works areas will be separated from the public with safety barriers and fencing.

Pedestrian and vehicle access will be maintained, and through traffic movement will still be possible.

On-street parking on Fore Street and Wicker Hill between Manvers Street and Hill Street will be suspended with motorists facing penalty charge notices if they use them.

The road will remain open to traffic and all business offices, shops and homes will be accessible.

The works will be undertaken during the day (7am to 7pm), six days a week (Monday to Saturday).

Road resurfacing will be undertaken overnight at three points during the scheme.

More information on this and the remaining phases of works will be issued prior to any traffic management changes being made.

During the works period, access to residential and business properties may be temporarily restricted due to site operations.

The contractor will endeavour to minimise this wherever possible, although due to the nature of the works some disruption is likely to be unavoidable.

Prior contact will be made with businesses ahead of any works taking place across their vehicle accesses to minimise disruption.

Pedestrian access will be maintained, and dedicated traffic management operatives will give motorists and pedestrians assistance.